(All Reviews) Page 7) Wailua River (Top Kauai Attractions & Sights), Kauai tours & activities, fun things to do in Kauai | HawaiiActivities.com

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All Reviews for Wailua River in Kauai

Overall Rating

4.55 4.55 / 5

Reviews

513 reviews

Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment

Excellent crew and talent, Fern Grotto not truly accessible

Reviewed by: Michele, 2021/10/17

Our group of 4, aged 50s to 70s, very much enjoyed the entertainment and river history. One of our group was in a wheelchair. Bathrooms were accessible but the ramp to see Fern Grotto was so steep that 2 of us chose bathrooms over seeing that trip endpoint. This excursion is the best value on the island. Book it!

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2021/10/13
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Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim

Kauai Kayak was a great adventure!

Reviewed by: Dave, 2021/10/13

We had an awesome time. The adventure was a little strenuous at times but we got through it and the end rewards was well worth the effort! Our guide Devan was great and encouraged everyone along the way and was very knowledgeable of the area. The waterfall was amazing but the water cold! We really enjoyed the experience. We’ll worth it!

Comments from activity operators


Aloha Dave,
Glad that our guide enriched the experience and that you made it to the falls.
Reviews like yours helps match the tour to the right people and let them know what is in store.
Thanks for taking the time to share.
Keep chasing rainbows and waterfalls.

A hui hou,

Micco
Head Guide

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2021/10/11
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Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment

Relaxing with good humor

Reviewed by: Linda, 2021/10/03

Captain on cruise was very informative and relaxed. He made the cruise more enjoyable. The young man who sang had excellent humor and a great voice for the songs he sang. The ladies were doing their job. Hula was beautiful and graceful

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2021/09/29
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Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment

So worth it!

Reviewed by: Catharina , 2021/09/27

Great short cruise for the money, even includes entertainment. We loved it! We would do it again.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2021/09/22
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Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim

Awesome experience

Reviewed by: Anthony , 2021/09/25

The kayak Kauai company was awesome. We missed our original appointment and they were still able to accommodate us. Garrett was an awesome guide. Very informative

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Anthony,
Thanks for taking the time to compliment our awesome staff. We do rock and really try to hard to make everybody happy and go the extra yard.
Thanks for sharing.
Micco
Head Guide.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2021/09/23
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Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim

Best part of our trip to Kauai!

Reviewed by: J’Neal, 2021/09/24

This tour was by far our favorite part of our entire trip. The kayaking is beautiful and relaxing - easy enough for beginners (like some people in our group) but still very enjoyable for seasoned kayakers like my husband and me. The hike was also a lot of fun. A bit challenging at times - not so much in the way of fitness, but more-so because there are some places where it’s uneven and slippery. But as long as you wear good water shoes and step carefully, it’s a fairly easy hike even for someone that’s out of shape like me. The waterfall and swimming hole are stunning. Totally worth the muddy hike. Something we’ll never forget. And the guides are AMAZING! Our guide was Garrick - he was super knowledgeable, friendly, fun, and funny. He made the entire trip a blast. And at one point we met up with another group and their guide, Ty, was also super knowledgeable and funny - and played the ukulele on the hike back down. It was great! I would absolutely recommend this to anyone visiting Kauai and would definitely do it again.

Comments from activity operators

Aloha J’Neal,


What a nice review with some advice of how to negotiate the often muddy trail. As you shared good water shoes helps allot.


Thanks for taking the time to let us know, well I mean that Garrick, continues to do good if not great job. Glad that you got to meet one of our other guides Tyler as well.

I can honestly say we have a great group of guides who truly love what they do and are their to interpret and share their particular and unique form of aloha.

Thanks for making it possible. You both sound like you might be candidates for our day long Na Pali sea kayak tour.

Stay active.

A hui hou,

Micco
Head Guide


Rating:
Attended as: Couples
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Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment

Very enjoyable river cruise

Reviewed by: Lisa, 2021/09/21

Great opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy and hour and 20 minutes on the Wailua River and “getting married” at the Fern Grotto. The music and hula dancing on the journey up the river added a wonderful ambiance and the history and information on movies filmed on and around the Wailua on the way back was very informative. All in all a wonderful addition to our trip to Hawaii.

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2021/09/16
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Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim

Challenging but worth it!

Reviewed by: Mary W, 2021/09/20

As a beginning kayaker, this was an energizing and satisfying ride. Make sure you have sturdy shoes for the hike. Our water ‘shoes’, more like socks, did not work as well as the closed toed more sturdy shoes would have been better and what most people had on. We made it though! That dip in the waterfall was worth the whole trip! J, our guide, was informative, attentive and amusing. Highly recommended.

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Mary,

Yep…just the right amount of paddling and hiking. By the time your arms are getting tired…you are out and hiking to the falls.

Thanks for taking time to share and reflect on your tour with your guide Jay.

Sturdy hiking shoes makes it much more enjoyable; thanks for warning others.

Keep active and sharing aloha,

Thanks again for your nice review.

A hui hou,

Micco
Head Guide



Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2021/09/18
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Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment

Lynsan

Reviewed by: Lynn M, 2021/09/06

We had not been to the fern grotto in 25 years. It is more beautiful and serene then we remember. The staff a Smith's are welcoming and deliver a fun trip. We like the music and the Capitan's narrative explaining the area.

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2021/08/30
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Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment

Aloha ! Remarkable performances by the musicians and Aloha dancers

Reviewed by: Hazel De Leon, 2021/09/02

Aloha ! Remarkable performances by the musicians and Aloha dancers. A very entertaining group! My family was amazed all througout the river cruise. The walk to the Fern Grotto was a unique experience because the beauty of the lush and large tropical plants was amazing and beautiful. Overall, an exciting experience to see a beautiful garden ( Fern Grotto) . It is very well recommended to have the river cruise and if we come back to Kauai, we will do the Wailua river cruise again.

  • Beautiful Fern Grotto

  • A lush garden

  • At the Fern Grotto

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2021/08/02
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Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment

Fun and Friendly

Reviewed by: Monica, 2021/09/01

We went with our 22 month old baby. They are family friendly and fun. Made the boat ride easier to handle with a toddler with the hula dance and jokes. They seemed authentic. The cave was beautiful as well. Good to take kissing pics.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2021/08/23
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Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim

We made it!!

Reviewed by: Ke , 2021/08/23

If you've never Kayaked with your spouse. Practice yelling at each other before the tour. Once you figure it out, you'll be glad you did it. Amazing views and swimming in the grotto of the waterfall is an amazing experience!!

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Ke, We often say about paddling with your spouse, "Families that paddle together...pray together"> Glad you figure out the paddling stroke and enjoyed this beautiful area that is the Wailua River complex. Keep yelling, paddling and enjoying each other. A hui hou, Micco

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2021/08/21
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Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim

Relaxing River Time

Reviewed by: Kelda & Jody Senyohl, 2021/08/11

Ty was an amazing guide! He was extremely knowledgeable about the flora and very fun to talk with throughout the entire trip! Thank you also Ty for the recommendations for the North Shore! We snorkeled Tunnels and had an amazing sunset too!! Thank you for a terrific day! Mahalo!

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Kelda y/o Jody,

Thanks for taking the time to confirm what we already know, i.e. that Tyler is rockin in the field!

You may not know that in the background Tyler running our Wailua River program and scheduling and hiring our other excellent guides while keeping equipment in excellent shape.

Tyler make it all possible.

Thanks for taking the time...and keep hiking, paddling and snorkeling.

A hui hou,

Micco
Head Guide

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2021/08/09
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Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment

Great River Boat Tour

Reviewed by: Cmm, 2021/07/09

The Wailua river cruise to the fern grotto was fun. I really enjoyed the music/entertainment on the boat to the grotto. My whole family was memorized looking at the fern grotto. Definitely a good tour for family.

Rating:
Attended as: Families with Young Children
Activity Date: 2021/07/07
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Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim

Kayaking Only

Reviewed by: Gina M., 2021/07/07

We went on a 2 hour kayaking trip. Unfortunately, the hike/sacred falls was cancelled due to inclement weather. It was a bummer, but we know it was for our safety. However, it did hurt a little when we were seeing others continuing to go past the fork in the river. We did get a partial refund. After concluding our kayaking trip, our tour guide Tyler did point us to the Nounou trail to hike which was great. So we were able to fill more of our day on this hike with spectacular views!

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Gina,

Safety is no accident!

When in doubt we don't go out or up the North Fork that constricts and is more prone to flooding as consequence.

Having pioneered the tour we have safely been guiding folks to the falls for the last 37 years while other companies have lost clients in flood like conditions.

We love repeat business and believe "safety is no accident".

Glad to hear that Tyler was able to take curve and make it a plus.

Stay well and safe. Thanks for sharing.

A hui hou,

Micco

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2021/07/05
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Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim

Worth the work!

Reviewed by: Kim H, 2021/06/24

Ty was very patient and informative. We had a great time. The falls are definitely not a secret, got very crowded, I suggest taking the earliest tour possible. I would absolutely do this again!

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Kim,

When we pioneered this tour to the Falls we called it the Secret Falls.

Victim of our own success...it quickly became the best known secret. Now we call it the Sacred Falls and inspite its popularity, as you observed and learned, it is still a terrific way to spend the day.

Thanks for sharing and for 5 star review and photo

Stay paddling and hiking.

A hui hou,

Micco

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2021/06/21
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Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment

An Inexpensive and Fun Time

Reviewed by: Cookie , 2021/06/17

This was a quick sightseeing adventure that was worth the cost. The boat trip was relaxing with authentic music one way and informative talk the other way to and from the Fern Grotto. The Fern Grotto is not as impressive as it once was due to storms that have torn away some of the older, longer ferns, but it was still worth the trip.

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2021/06/09
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Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim

Great trip

Reviewed by: Lee T, 2021/06/08

A good variety of activities with kayaking, hiking and the waterfall/swimming.

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Lee,

Thanks for the 5 hokus/stars.

Feel our Wailua River Paddle and Hike is a nice combination of upper and lower body.

By the time your arms might be getting tired from paddling you are hitting the trail and working the legs to get to the falls.

Stay active and thanks for taking the time to share.

A hui hou,

Micco
Head Guide

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2021/05/12
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Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim

Fantastic way to spend a half day in Kauai

Reviewed by: Halls, 2021/05/15

Dustin was amazing. He was very patient and helpful in teaching everyone how to kayak. The hike was challenging through streams, rocks and mud but Dustin made sure everyone was safe and knew what to do. It is definitely a tour I would do again. The waterfall was beautiful. We learned a lot about Kauai history and the plants and trees we saw along the way.

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Halls,

Thanks for letting us know that Dustin continues to "rock". Isn't it great to traverse a beautiful area like the Wailua River and appreciate its cultural and natural history.

We all fortunate to have Dustin share his knowledge, patience and brand of Aloha,

Thanks again for your kinds words.

A hui hou,

Micco
Head Guide

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2021/05/13
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Wailua River Kayak Rental & Optional Self-Guided Sacred Falls Hike

Great Time!

Reviewed by: Ariel, 2021/05/13

So much fun even if you aren’t a physical person. Was super safe and the tour guide was awesome!! Would definitely do it again.

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Ariel,

Thanks for cheery review. We are there for folks like yourselves who went on our tour and those who want to rent and strike out on your own.

What is nice, when you are about to get tired of paddling...we land and hike to the Falls.

Thanks for sharing and giving us a nice review.

Micco
Head Guide

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2021/05/11
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Best of Kauai - Local Expert Guided Kauai Sightseeing Tour & Wailua River Cruise

Excellent Service

Reviewed by: Sher, 2021/04/11

We had a superb experience with our tour specially with our tour guide Domi who entertained us well. He’s excellent and very knowledgeable. We highly recommend this company and if possible look for Domi!!!

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2021/04/09
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Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim

Kauai Kayak - the best

Reviewed by: Mary SantaFe, 2021/03/05

I did a mid week kayak trip with Kauai Kayak. Instructor was excellent, gear provided was in good shape, and the lunch was fresh and delicious. The walk portion described as “along the river bank” was challenging as we walked over large river rock and then through streams, boulders, and mud to reach the falls. The company provides an excellent trip and I would easily recommend them to anyone interested in a fun and challenging half day.

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Mary, Thanks for taking the time and sharing with others your impressions of our Wailua River Sacred Falls paddle & hike. We try to do a good job and have managed to retain staff through this pandemic. Thanks for making it possible and helping share the salutary and beautiful Kaua'i outdoors. Stay well...and outdoors. A hui hou, Micco

Rating:
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Activity Date: 2021/03/03
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Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim

A knowledge guide with a great sense of humor made it such a great experience!

Reviewed by: Libby V, 2020/12/26

The waterfall is beautiful, the river is stunning in its peaceful beauty. The guide was so knowledgeable, engaging and funny; the food was so tasty! (I need to get the name of the place they got it from;-). Great experience overall, strongly recommend!

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Libby, Thanks for taking the time to let us all know we are doing a good job. Makes it all worth it. Shoot us all when/if we ever loose our sense humor. Moral of the story is you can have fun and also be safe. Our caterer is Passions Bakery: https://www.passionbakeries.com/?v=7516fd43adaa

Stay well...and keep laughing and soon we wil be up and about.

A hui hou.

Micco

Rating:
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Activity Date: 2020/12/01
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Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim

Great knowledgable guided tour... amazing hike!

Reviewed by: Julia , 2020/11/18

We signed up for the kayaking but the hike and the waterfall was the best part of it!!
Our guide Jay was so knowledgeable about the nature, trees, plants and history of Kauai! we learnt so much and even had a taste of Kuala along the way
highly recommend this adventure, the 5 hours passed so fast!
Do it!! all get and skill levels!

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Julia, So nice to be outdoors and sharing the beauty of Kaua'i with visitors and locals alike once again. Good to know that Jay has dusted his wares and sharing his knowledge of all things Kaua'i. We are very fortunate to have him out in the field. Thanks again for your kind words and keep enjoying the salutary outdoors. Stay well. Micco/Head Guide

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2020/11/16
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Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment

Very interesting and beautiful

Reviewed by: Mamacreamz , 2020/03/28

This is a wonderful tour. The boat is comfortable and a mild ride for all ages. The waterfall and fern grotto are beautiful. You receive history of the area and enjoy Hawaiian song and dance. There is time to walk around and enjoy the beauty

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2020/03/08
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Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim

Great Adventure!

Reviewed by: Staci, 2020/03/14

Jay was our guide and he couldn't have been more awesome. He's a local and a bit of a botanist so he was very knowledgeable and truly happy to take us on the tour. The kayak to the hike was fairly easy for two inexperienced kayakers as we were flowing down stream. The hike was fairly easy for non-experienced hikers. We went during the rainy season so it was very muddy, so it was a bit slick in spots, but that's part of what made it fun. The waterfall was astounding. So tall and powerful. Well worth the hike to see it's beauty. The lunch provided was enjoyable. The kayak trip back was a bit of a challenge as you're going upstream, but once you hit a nice flow, it becomes much easier. I would definitely recommend this excursion to anyone visiting the island looking for a little adventure!

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Staci,

Glad you enjoyed your recent paddle and hike on our Wailua River Sacred/Secret Falls tours.

Jay is a local boy who has proudly been sharing the beauty of Kaua'i with friends, locals and visitors alike; he "walks the talk".

You're description of the tour is great. The more mud...translates for a more forceful waterfall.

Thanks for taking the time to share with us and others your experience.

Keep paddling and hiking.

A hui hou,

Micco
Head Guide

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2020/02/18
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Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim

Amazing time!

Reviewed by: lk , 2020/03/14

“Doc” was our guide and we had a great time kayaking and hiking to the sacred falls. It’s an all day trip so plan for it and it’s not for people who can’t handle the long bike and kayaking. Prepare to get muddy! Definitely unforgettable!

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Ik,

It is nice to have a "Doc" in the crowd when you are hiking to the Sacred/Secret Falls.

We are blessed to have Doc lead our Wailua River paddle and hike tour as he juggles other commitments in life.

Thanks for reminding folks that there will be mud. We are fond of saying, "embrace the mud"! More mud ...the stronger the falls is.

Thanks for you kind words and 5 star review and for making it possible for us all to share the beauty of Kaua'i with others.

A hui hou,

Micco
Head Guide.

Rating:
Attended as: Families
Activity Date: 2020/03/11
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シダの洞窟 観光遊覧船 ハワイ唯一の航行可能な川を行く!<英語ガイド/半日>

素敵な自然

Reviewed by: makobook, 2020/03/07

殆ど日本人はいません。
でもハワイアンミュージックやフラがあり飽きません。素敵な思い出になりました。

Rating:
Attended as: Solo Travelers
Activity Date: 2020/03/03
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Smith's Kauai Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto with Live Entertainment

fern grotto river cruise

Reviewed by: lorna brewer, 2020/02/15

the folks involved were friendly, informative and fun.
the scenery was lovely and the grotto very unique
the music on the way back and the dancing was great and even got to practice ourselves
the weather could have been better but no control over that

Rating:
Attended as: Friends
Activity Date: 2020/01/20
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Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim

Great time.

Reviewed by: Dan, 2020/02/14

Great time. Good solid adventure and not too much exertion for relatively fit mid-40s husband and wife. Water was cold in February but probably feels nice in summer. Josh was a great guide- lots of interesting history and knowledge along the way. Be sure to hike in the puddles, as odd as that sounds. It has the best footing and you are going to get muddy and wet anyway.

Comments from activity operators

Aloha Dan,

Glad you enjoyed your Wailua River Secret/Sacred Falls tour with your guide Josh. Thanks for your wise council on the trail. I think more folks have gotten injured trying to avoid puddles instead of just plowing through them and resigning themselves to wet shoes and mud.

Your guide, as all our excellent guides at Kayak Kaua'i, bring a real love to what they do and there to keep you informed, entertained and safe.

Stay paddling and hiking. Until our paths cross.

A hui hou,

Micco
Head Guide

Rating:
Attended as: Couples
Activity Date: 2020/02/10
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